London's Lost Gay Bars: A Look Back at Blush and Other Iconic Venues

London's LGBTQ+ nightlife has a rich and vibrant history, but sadly, many beloved venues have shuttered their doors over the years. This article takes a look back at some of these iconic establishments, with a special nod to Blush Bar, and explores the changing landscape of gay spaces in the city.

The Rise and Fall of London's Gay Bars

The 21st century has seen a significant decline in LGBTQ+ venues across London, with many once-thriving spots succumbing to economic pressures and redevelopment.

From traditional pubs to glamorous clubs, the city has lost a considerable number of its gay bars, leaving a void in its cultural fabric.

Several venues, like The Black Cap in North London, a legendary drag bar and club, and Madame Jo Jos, a famed drag venue, have sadly closed their doors.

Other notable closures include:

• Kazbar in Clapham, which was one of only two gay bars in the area.
• Kensington Roof Gardens, which hosted a popular gay night on Sundays.
• Molly Moggs, a central London pub known for its lively drag queens and karaoke, which has since reopened.
• The Oak, a lesbian bar in Manor House, and Rush Bar, another lesbian bar that closed in the mid-90s.
• Profile, a cafe and bar opened by dating gurus Gaydar, which closed in 2007.
• Central Station in Walthamstow, a gay bar offering nightly entertainment.
• The Coleherne, a bar that attempted a rebrand before ultimately closing and reopening as a non-gay establishment.
• First Out Cafe Bar, a legendary gay venue that operated for 25 years before its closure.
• The Green Man in Harlesden, now a Wagamama restaurant.
• Trade, a techno club night at Turnmills, which held its last night in October 2004.

Focus on Blush Bar

Blush Bar, a lesbian bar located in Stoke Newington, was established by Siobhan after the closure of Due South.

Described as having a living-room size, Blush Bar was a key venue for the lesbian community in London.

Other lesbian-focused venues mentioned include The Oak in Manor House and Rush Bar, which closed in the mid-90s.

The article also references Club Kali, a bi-monthly bhangra bash that has since evolved into Union, still a popular gay event.

The Shifting Landscape of Gay Nightlife

The article highlights the diverse nature of London's past gay venues, ranging from:

• Cruisy bars like Barcode Vauxhall and Piano Bar Play Pit.
• Traditional pubs such as The Birdcage in Chiswick and Cock in Kennington.
• Chic cafes and bars like SW9 in Brixton and The Green Carnation, an upper-market wine bar on the edge of Soho.
• Dance clubs and themed nights like G-A-Y at the Astoria and The Orange, which offered themed nights nightly.

The closures are a stark reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ spaces.

As many as 53 London LGBTQ+ venues have closed, leaving only a fraction standing. The transformation of former gay bars into residential flats is a recurring theme, symbolizing the gentrification and changing urban landscape that often impact these vital community hubs.

While the loss of these venues is a significant blow, the spirit of London's LGBTQ+ community endures.

The stories and memories associated with these lost spaces serve as a testament to their importance and the vibrant history of gay nightlife in the city.